Alcoholism Support Group

give up the pebble in the shoe because that one thing your thinking you will take to your grave without telling anyone is the one that will get you drunk....so being honest is the only way...each time it gets a little easier...

do not expect that this is what will set you free but when you feel it enjoy it....and if it is not what you feel you will not resent about having done it because that is the real freedom...to not resent about life its turns and twists whatever they may be...

and most people want to keep some sexual thing about themself private and that is what is worst....do it with hard honesty and get the pebble out of your shoes....

hugs bill

Tiff, I found step 5 quite the eye opener which led me to want to see and hear things differently. The secret I found was being willing to address what I found out and learn to live a life less caught up in my own mind . In spite of who was to blame .... Blame is a staying stuck word for me, while learning to be Ok ( or accepting) of certain things is open end book of possibilities:)

Cause and conditions gave me a real good starting point in learning to heal and move on.:)
Good for you ,
Billy

Normal to be nervous! I cried a lot during mine. :-) Try not to think about it too much, be honest, thorough, and you've got a great sponsor which is a plus.

What was the greatest eye opener for me was to see the pattern that emerged and what needed to be worked on the most.

I'll be thinking of you and say a special prayer for you. ;-)

The mere fact that you feel nervous and nauseous means that you're doing it right. The false self, the mask that you created to protect your drinking, is going to get ripped off your face and it's gonna hurt. Then, as you move on to 6 & & 7, you'll feel so much better you'll wonder why you waited so long.

Nemo's right, Tiff! It's all good. :)

I am very new to aa, but if that is the one where you have to make a moral inventory of yourself, I am scared and ashamed. This whole thing is very hard and I don't know if I can make it sometimes. Good luck! I like what bill said about the pebble in the shoe too---oh bloody he'll how hard. I have a long way to go.

Hi Tiff,

I was pretty nervous. I know exactly what you mean too when you say nervous to nauseous. I had my third therapy session today. I just talked with her *about* talking about my childhood trauma and I felt severely anxious. I told her I got nauseous, felt like I was almost going to pass out, and had vision issues when I think about this shit. Even when I think about talking about it. So yeah, I can relate.
Ride it out. My experience is after I shared *most* my stuff with my sponsor, in fact, all that I knew to share at that time...I felt exhausted, and hugely relieved. Afterward I felt like I'd offloaded years worth of stress and pressure.

Thanks guys...feels a little better to know I am not the only one feel a little freaked out over this. Kinda don't wanna do it but at the same time wanna hurry up and get it over with if that makes sense.

Stickywick - The childhood trauma is the main anxiety point for me I think. Always just kinda considered it "my business" and no one else, not really sure if I am "okay" with the idea of sharing it yet.

Felt similar. You're worth the work Tiff. Breathe.

Zen,

I'll go one better and tell you that besides blinding anxiety and nerves, my hands were shaking on the steering wheel on the drive to do my 5th Step.

You will be quite surprised when you're done. I'm excited for you!!